Seizing upon Quin’s line of thought, Kieran said, “Q is right. Once you determine whether you want a brother, then the next step becomes easier.”
“Right, if you don’t, then your decision has been made, pet,” Hunter said, “and if you do, then you can take the next step toward a solution.”
“That is a very good idea, Fionn,” said Oracle, softly. “But I would add something to it…before making your final judgment regarding Alex, I think both of you would benefit if you met each other. He is your brother and nothing will ever change that…but right now, you don’t know who he is as a person. And that lack of knowledge is leading to you imaging the worst.” Holding up her hand to stop Fionn from interrupting, she continued. “Your experience in life has caused you to be wary of people…including this newly discovered sibling. Trust is hard to give when adults in your life, other than your mother, have deceived you.”
“Does he want to meet me?” asked Fionn.
“Yes, but that is up to you. If you choose not to, I will convey your decision to Alex,” Oracle said, softly.
“Thank you,” Fionn murmured, grateful he’d be spared a confrontation with his brother if he decided not to meet him.
~/~/~/~/~
Lying down under the old oak tree, he panted, trying to catch his breath—something he thought a vampire could never lose. But then, there was a lot Valerian hadn’t taught him about being one. All he knew was that displeasing his master meant blood was withheld from him, making him weak and dizzy. And that’s what was happening to him now. The source of nourishment he desperately thirsted for was gone and none other than Valerian’s blood would do.
It had been too long since life-affirming blood filled him and if he didn’t make it to the place that called to him soon, it would be too late. His pale, pink eyes focused on the clouds in the deep blue sky above and he smiled at the different shapes he saw. It reminded him of a game he played when he was young to help him escape his unhappy childhood. But now he needed to continue his journey if he wanted to live; he searched within himself for what little strength might be left.
Mentally bracing himself against the pain, he sat up, forcing his mind to find the will to stand. He didn’t know how much further it was, but he could tell he was getting closer. Groaning, he rose, cursing his loss of ability to translocate which would have whisked him to his destination in just seconds. But, as he’d discovered, much to his dismay, without Valerian’s blood, it was impossible.
Turning west, he started walking again, each painful step eliciting a small moan from him. By his calculations, it would take a miracle for him to get to where he needed to be in time to prevent his death.
